Group 1 - The article highlights the increasing number of private kindergartens in Shenzhen facing closure due to insufficient enrollment and declining birth rates, despite the city's reputation for high birth rates [1][3][20] - Shenzhen's birth rate has decreased from 17.01‰ in 2020 to 13.73‰ in 2022, contributing to the challenges faced by kindergartens [3][22] - The uneven distribution of student enrollment leads to a paradox where some public kindergartens are oversubscribed while others, both public and private, struggle to fill their seats [4][20] Group 2 - The number of kindergartens in Shenzhen is on the rise, with 1,973 in 2023 and an expected increase to 1,990 in 2024, yet the number of enrolled children is decreasing from 555,100 in 2023 to 519,700 in 2024 [21][22] - The decline in birth rates and the closure of lower-quality private kindergartens are significant factors affecting the overall landscape of early childhood education in Shenzhen [23][28] - The shift towards public kindergartens has been notable, with their enrollment share rising from less than 4% in 2018 to over 50% by the end of 2020 [26][27] Group 3 - The instability in private kindergartens has led to parents frequently changing schools for their children, causing emotional distress for both parents and children [5][7][12] - Many parents prefer public kindergartens due to the unpredictability associated with private institutions, even if it means facing long waiting lists [11][12] - Some private kindergartens are adapting by offering after-school care services to fill the enrollment gap, but this may not be a sustainable long-term solution [42][44] Group 4 - The decline in student numbers has directly impacted kindergarten teachers, many of whom are experiencing job instability and are considering alternative career paths [44][46] - Teachers in private kindergartens typically earn between 3,000 to 5,000 yuan per month, but many are now seeking more stable employment opportunities outside of education [45][62] - The article illustrates the broader economic challenges faced by educators, with some transitioning to roles such as baristas for greater job security [58][63]